Bayer Cropscience HQ in Hauxton, near Cambridge, was invaded on Thursday 20th November by over 40 people opposed to genetic engineering.

At around midday three smartly dressed individuals entered the main entrance and as one started to climb over the internal security barrier was told, ”there is no need for that” by the security guard, who gave them all visitors passes! Entering the main building one of them opened up a fire exit, allowing people to rush out of their vehicles and into the building, much to the dismay of the security guard – “OH SHIT!” In pairs and groups of three, people systematically went through all the offices in the building. One person would stay by each office door, to keep staff out and ensure the others were not locked in, while the others wrote down information that may be useful to the campaign. As people quickly dispersed through the building, to cries of “they’re everywhere!”, an announcement came over the PA, “unauthorised personnel have entered the building, turn off your computers, remain at your work stations, do not engage with the intruders.” Or something equally ridiculous. Two people were in one office for a particularly long time as staff got increasingly agitated and security tried to make up for their earlier blunder by getting heavy handed. Most people once they had attained enough useful info, left by a side fire exist and went for a walk in the countryside before making their way home.

Eight people were held in the building by police and a further two picked up in a nearby pub. All were arrested on suspicion of theft but released without charge and bailed to return. This was probably the most successful and useful action to date in the ongoing campaign to force Bayer out of GM. The information gleaned will be put to good use…